Towards a conceptual framework for wildlife tourism

Abstract Tourism based on interactions with wildlife is increasing in popularity across the world. A conceptual framework is presented which begins to classify the major components of wildlife tourism/recreation and indicates the roles of and the relationship between these components. It is suggested that the values of conservation, animal welfare, visitor satisfaction, and profitability are often in conflict in wildlife tourism (WT) and trade-offs are necessary. While there is a range of factors involved, the most germane are impact on the environment and quality of the experience. Sustainable tourism depends on encouraging the desirable and discouraging the undesirable. Such mechanisms are discussed.